That's a better description. If the belt itself is failing, then yes, something inside to stiffen it would help. Use foam. The old WWII belt is probably not stiff enough. The newer nylon pistol belts (no longer in use but issued up through the 2000s) are much stiffer. But they need padding to be comfortable. I have found that a cut up blue foam pad from Walmart is just right. You can use the same mat for your shoulder straps. It is also light and cheap.

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